Upate on the African-American Studies Program @ UTSA
Margaret Richardson (photo)
After months of mobilization and collaboration between faculty, students, and community, the African American Studies Program will be housed in the College of Education and Human Development, effective summer 2008.
The Dean of the College, Dr. Betty Merchant in full support, has appointed Dr. Michael E. Jennings to serve as the program's first director. Dr. Jennings is an assistant professor in the Department of Educational Leadership & Policy Studies. The move to the College of Education is temporary, pending the recommendations of the Inclusiveness Task Force.
These changes come after much discussion and dialogue that focused on what was best for the African American Studies Program. After members from Students Committed to Change met with UTSA President, Dr. Ricardo Romo, we were assured that changes would be made to enhance, protect and further facilitate the growth of the African American Studies Program.
We would like to thank Dr. Romo for meeting with us, listening to student concerns and acting to correct the wrongs suffered by the program. His commitment and personal attention to this matter have been greatly appreciated. We would like to thank Rep. Ruth Jones McClendon for supporting the students and fostering a bridge of communication.
Also, the presence of the League of United Latin American Citizens, African American Chamber of Commerce, Neighborhoods First Alliance and the San Antonio Local Organizing Committee for the Millions More Movement was a great source of strength and encouragement.
In addition, Students Committed to Change would like to thank Dr. Howard Smith, our new faculty advisor. He stepped in at an uncertain time and provided us with the necessary guidance and direction to work together. Lastly, our gratitude would not be complete if we were to forget about the two who originally begin the fight to save the African American Studies program: Dr. Richard Gambitta and Professor Frederick Williams. Their sacrifices led to the empowerment of students who rose in unison to protect the AAS Program.
It has been a huge undertaking of supporting the evolution of the African American Studies Program. But, this could not have been done without the collective effort of community, students and faculty. It took this vital collaboration to ensure that the program will continue to be functional and properly facilitated. There is still work to be done. Our fight is not over; rather a new phase is about to begin. But, we trust that we will invest our energies and passions into making this program the best it can be. It is a victory to be shared and enjoyed by all.
For more information, please contact Margaret Richardson, Chair - Students Committed to Change at (210)387-7510.
After months of mobilization and collaboration between faculty, students, and community, the African American Studies Program will be housed in the College of Education and Human Development, effective summer 2008.
The Dean of the College, Dr. Betty Merchant in full support, has appointed Dr. Michael E. Jennings to serve as the program's first director. Dr. Jennings is an assistant professor in the Department of Educational Leadership & Policy Studies. The move to the College of Education is temporary, pending the recommendations of the Inclusiveness Task Force.
These changes come after much discussion and dialogue that focused on what was best for the African American Studies Program. After members from Students Committed to Change met with UTSA President, Dr. Ricardo Romo, we were assured that changes would be made to enhance, protect and further facilitate the growth of the African American Studies Program.
We would like to thank Dr. Romo for meeting with us, listening to student concerns and acting to correct the wrongs suffered by the program. His commitment and personal attention to this matter have been greatly appreciated. We would like to thank Rep. Ruth Jones McClendon for supporting the students and fostering a bridge of communication.
Also, the presence of the League of United Latin American Citizens, African American Chamber of Commerce, Neighborhoods First Alliance and the San Antonio Local Organizing Committee for the Millions More Movement was a great source of strength and encouragement.
In addition, Students Committed to Change would like to thank Dr. Howard Smith, our new faculty advisor. He stepped in at an uncertain time and provided us with the necessary guidance and direction to work together. Lastly, our gratitude would not be complete if we were to forget about the two who originally begin the fight to save the African American Studies program: Dr. Richard Gambitta and Professor Frederick Williams. Their sacrifices led to the empowerment of students who rose in unison to protect the AAS Program.
It has been a huge undertaking of supporting the evolution of the African American Studies Program. But, this could not have been done without the collective effort of community, students and faculty. It took this vital collaboration to ensure that the program will continue to be functional and properly facilitated. There is still work to be done. Our fight is not over; rather a new phase is about to begin. But, we trust that we will invest our energies and passions into making this program the best it can be. It is a victory to be shared and enjoyed by all.
For more information, please contact Margaret Richardson, Chair - Students Committed to Change at (210)387-7510.
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